On football: Texans need to get back to game plan

ON FOOTBALL

Published 5:30 am, Wednesday, October 7, 2009

The play of linebacker Brian Cushing, right, was among the positives in the first quarter of the season.

The play of linebacker Brian Cushing, right, was among the positives in the first quarter of the season.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Chronicle

On football: Texans need to get back to game plan

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The Texans don't ask me, of course, but here's some free advice for a simple plan that will allow them to make the playoffs for the first time.

I'm sure none of this has crossed the minds of Texans coaches who have, if my count is correct, 284 years of NFL experience.

Let's start with the offense.

One of the goals entering training camp was to reduce turnovers, especially in the red zone. In the last two games, Chris Brown lost a fumble in the end zone, and Matt Schaub was intercepted in the end zone. Schaub threw a pick at the 9-yard line in the loss to Jacksonville.

With a field goal rather than an interception at the 9 and a touchdown rather than a fumble into the end zone, the Texans would have defeated the Jaguars, and their record would be 3-1 rather than 2-2.

Until Schaub and his teammates learn to protect the ball better, especially in scoring territory, the offense is never going to score a lot of points, and the team is never going to win consistently.

With every starter and every coach returning, it's inexcusable that the offense hasn't been more consistent and more productive through four games.

Running on empty

Since head coach Gary Kubiak was hired, he's emphasized the importance of running the ball effectively. The idea is that running more will keep them from throwing too much. Throwing too much leads to sacks, interceptions and Schaub getting injured.

Well, guess what? They still can't run the ball effectively. They did last season but have lost it. It's like the running game fell off Kubiak's truck on the way back to training camp. Four games into the season, they're still looking for it.

By the way, if you find it, e-mail me and I'll let them know because they're getting desperate. If they continue to average 3.3 yards a carry, they're doomed in this stretch that has them playing four of five on the road.

Now, let's look at the defense. It stands to reason that if every player and coach returns on offense that the offense should be better, meaning more productive.

With a new defensive coordinator in Frank Bush, who's making calls for the first time, and five new starters, common sense tells us that there might be an adjustment period.

Here's what I've seen on defense in the last two games: Amobi Okoye is finally playing better and Antonio Smith is coming off his best game and preparing to play against his former teammates, so expect him to play even better.

Brian “Crushing” is a hitting machine whose intensity, nastiness and relentlessness should become contagious. So far, he's been the embodiment of what coaches want in a strong-side linebacker — physical and fierce.

Glover Quin can hit. On Sunday, we're going to find out if he can cover.

Secondary struggles

The back end, as Kubiak calls it, continues to concern the coaches. If the defensive backs avoid the kind of mental mistakes that plagued them in the first three games, that will be a huge improvement. Self-discipline is paramount when it comes to carrying out assignments.

By the way, considering Cushing and Dunta Robinson missed the preseason, they should be about 100 percent right now. Robinson has improved steadily. He'll have to play his best game against Arizona because he'll be covering either Larry Fitzgerald or Anquan Boldin, both of whom dwarf him physically.

Now, I've saved the best for last. If I'm Bush and assistant head coach/defensive line Bill Kollar, I invite Mario Williams into a film room and get him some popcorn and something to drink. Then I put on a tape of the Green Bay-Minnesota game and make sure he watches No. 69 in purple from start to finish.

John McClain can be heard on 610 AM at 7:30 a.m. Monday and 4:30 p.m. Friday.